New York State Adult Smoking Rate Drops to Historic Low of 9.3%

Regional Tobacco Control Leaders Celebrate Progress, Call for Continued Action

 

SYRACUSE, N.Y.— The adult smoking rate in New York State has reached a historic low of 9.3%, a significant milestone in the fight against tobacco use. This achievement reflects the ongoing success of the New York State Tobacco Control Program, which has worked tirelessly to reduce tobacco-related harm through education, cessation support, and policy initiatives.

 

The CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems at St. Joseph’s Health and Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego, Schoharie are celebrating this progress while emphasizing the need for continued efforts to protect public health.

 

“This drop in smoking rates is a testament to the power of coordinated public health strategies,” said Kristen Richardson, RN, CTTS, Director of both the CNY Regional Center for Tobacco Health Systems and Tobacco Free Communities Delaware, Otsego & Schoharie. “We’ve made incredible strides, but our work is far from over. We must continue to support those who want to quit and prevent the next generation from starting.”

 

Despite the overall decline, approximately 1.4 million New Yorkers still smoke, and significant disparities persist. Smoking rates remain highest among adults with less than a high school education, low income no health insurance, and those enrolled in Medicaid. Adults living with disabilities and those experiencing frequent mental distress also report elevated smoking rates. For the first time, smoking rates among women (10.9%) surpassed those of men (7.8%).

 

“We’re seeing real progress, but it’s important to remember that not everyone is benefiting equally,” said Richardson. “There are still big gaps and it’s no coincidence. The tobacco industry has spent decades targeting these groups, and we’re still seeing the impact. That’s why we need to keep pushing for strong, targeted interventions—educating youth before they start, helping adults quit, protecting people from secondhand smoke, and making sure everyone has access to the support they need. Health equity has to be at the heart of everything we do.”

 

While smoking rates have declined, vaping among youth and young adults remains a serious concern. In response, New York State has updated the way its Drop the Vape program is administered. Text-based enrollment is no longer available in New York State. Individuals who vape and want to quit should now visit DropTheVape – NY Smoke Free to sign up for free, confidential services.

 

The Regional Center and Tobacco Free Communities programs continue to work with healthcare providers, schools, and community organizations to promote tobacco-free living and ensure equitable access to cessation resources. For more information about tobacco cessation services or to get involved in local tobacco control efforts, visit www.nysmokefree.com.

 

Resources for Quitting

• Adults can contact the NYS Quitline at 1-866-NY-QUITS or visit nysmokefree.com for free cessation support.
• Teens can visit DropTheVape – NY Smoke Free for help with quitting vaping.

 

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